Generic coupon

ABSTRACT

A discount, special value, or “cents-off” advertising or promotion coupon that is generic in nature so as to permit its use with a number of disparate offerings, at the discretion of the customer or end-user; and a means for promotion, distribution, redemption and utilization of such coupons.  
     The coupon is not dedicated to any particular manufacturer, merchant, product, service, or offering. It may also have multiple possible redemption values. It is valid for a variety of offers that are usually separately-advertised. The coupon is applied under the terms of whatever offer is in effect at the time and place of its redemption.  
     Various devices for utilization of the coupon take advantage of its generic nature, and include retail sale of the coupons to end-users, using the coupons as premiums, and more efficient promotional devices utilizing fewer coupons and more display advertising space than similar devices using conventional coupons.  
     In addition, systems for specifying and/or updating the list of available applications of such coupons may be used to extend the application of the coupons and possibly generate additional income. A “cents-off,” savings, “special-offer,” or discount coupon that is generic, universal, general, or non-specific in application; and system for promotion, distribution, and redemption of such coupon(s).

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] This invention relates to coupon vehicles for providing adiscounted price, merchandise, or some other related value uponpresentation.

[0002] Definition:

[0003] A coupon is the tangible instrument used to induce a customer topatronize a business by entitling the customer to receive a commercialadvantage.

[0004] Its purpose is advertisement and promotion.

[0005] Usually, a coupon is printed paper, but any device used for thepurpose cited above may be considered a “coupon.”

[0006] A coupon may be a detachable portion of a larger instrument;however, the definition may also apply to separate instruments used asdescribed above.

[0007] In the context of this patent description, the term “coupon” isintended to be general and all-inclusive within the parameters statedabove defining its purpose and use.

[0008] Application:

[0009] It has been popular for coupons to be distributed by direct mail,point-of-sale displays, hand-outs, newspaper and magazineadvertisements; printed on other products such as cash register receiptsor restaurant placemats; and circulated through direct retail sale andby other means.

[0010] The public has become increasingly responsive to coupons, andimprovements in coupons and similar methods for promoting merchants,products, and services have been actively sought.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0011] This invention provides a coupon that is more broad in scope andmore universal in application than other coupons, in that it may be usedfor any of several offers, rather than only one or a few specificoffers; and a system to utilize such coupon(s).

[0012] This invention is distinguished from similar coupon systemscurrently in use and prior art by employing a coupon simultaneouslyembodying the following specified features:

[0013] 1. The invention provides a coupon that may be applied to amultiple number of merchants, rather than to only a particular merchant;and

[0014] 2. The invention provides a coupon that may be applied to anumber of manufacturers, rather than application to only a particularmanufacturer; and

[0015] 3. The invention provides a coupon that may be applied to anumber of offerings, rather than specific application to only aparticular product or service; and

[0016] 4. The invention provides a coupon that may have severalredeemable values, rather than one particular amount of discount orspecific value.

[0017] Alternately stated, a generic coupon is one that does not specifyany particular (1) merchant, (2) manufacturer, (3) offering, or (4)value.

[0018] The generic coupon described here is used in the same way asother coupons.

[0019] However, with this invention, the customer may choose where,when, and for what to use the coupon.

[0020] The coupon is then redeemed at any participating merchant for avalid current offer in effect at the time and place of presentation.

[0021] A variation of the generic coupon invention is one wherein arelative or specific value is specified (such as $1 savings per couponor 10% discount on purchase price), but where the other specificationsapply. This does not depart from the spirit of the invention, a couponof non-dedicated application and usefulness.

[0022] The customer is informed of the applicable uses of the genericcoupon by means of a list of offers which may accompany the coupons;notice at participating merchants; listings available via pre-recordedtelephone announcements or over the internet; listings which may bedistributed, publicly posted, or otherwise advertised separately; or byother means.

[0023] Because of the unique nature of the Generic Coupon, varioussystems designed to utilize it are likewise unique. Variations include(but are not limited to):

[0024] 1. Special newsletters or flyers containing the names ofmerchants honoring the coupons and the offerings for which the couponsmay be used. These newsletters may contain some coupons; but, since eachcoupon is generic in nature and can be used for any offering, fewercoupons need be printed than the number of offerings made. Even so, thecustomer may choose to use several coupons in order to avail himself ofmultiple instances of the same offering. This flexibility is notpossible using a system based upon conventional coupons.

[0025] 2. Promotional letters that may contain as few as a singlecoupon. The customer may apply each coupon to any of numerous offers. Inthis way, the Generic Coupon may be used as a premium, whereconventional coupons are limited in application.

[0026] 3. Through the use of Generic Coupons, an advertising brochuremay be more economically printed, since fewer coupons need be printed tocover a given number of advertisers, and therefore a greater percentageof space may be sold for advertising. The size of each advertisement maybe significantly smaller than the size of a coupon. Furthermore, thisspace may be printed on the reverse, doubling the effective advertisingspace without making any coupons mutually-exclusive.

[0027] 4. Since the coupons are generic, there need be no wastedcoupons. Since the customer can choose the application of every coupon,every coupon is usable. Therefore, coupons may be sold directly to theend-user in a medium much more efficient than other similar methodsusing conventional coupons.

[0028] This patent application is not intended to apply to coupons thatmay contain another combination of the specifications or requiringadditional features.

[0029] One example of such a coupon is the “manufacturer's coupon,”which offers cents-off on specific products but does not specify aparticular merchant.

[0030] Another example is the “store or merchant's coupon” that mayspecify a particular merchant, but is valid for several offers.

[0031] Such coupons not simultaneously embodying specifications 1, 2,and 3 are within public domain and are beyond the scope of thisinvention.

[0032] A further exception is a coupon which may be valid for differentoffers, but may require additional features (such as stamps or specialendorsements), or which is limited to only a few specific applicationsand is narrow in scope.

[0033] The general-application, non-specific, or universal coupon whichis the invention described in this patent application (and which wegenerally call the “generic coupon”) provides several benefits to theconsumer, the participating merchants, and the publisher; over thespecific, dedicated, traditional, conventional, or normal couponscurrently in use (which we generally call “common coupon”).

[0034] Overview of benefits:

[0035] 1. The generic coupon is easier to locate, identify, store, sort,carry, and otherwise utilize compared to the common coupon.

[0036] 2. The generic coupon is applicable to more uses than the commoncoupon.

[0037] 3. The generic coupon can promote multiple simultaneous andsuccessive offers.

[0038] 4. The customer can choose the offer for which the coupon isused.

[0039] 5. The generic coupon may be produced in forms and quantitiesthat are not directly dependent upon the offerings made.

[0040] 6. Because generic coupons are identical, they are moreeconomical to publish and more practical to sell.

[0041] These features combine to make the generic coupon more suitableto the task of advertising and promotion than the common coupon.

[0042] Until the present invention, there has not been a coupon systemwith these advantages.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF USEFULNESS

[0043] In order to be patentable, an invention must be novel and useful.The following list specifies some features and benefits of the genericcoupon, showing novel attributes providing increased usefulness overtraditional coupon systems.

[0044] A. Benefits to the Customer:

[0045] 1. Choice of offer: A generic coupon is valid for the offer ofthe customer's choosing. Therefore, every coupon is usable for the mostdesirable offer.

[0046] This is especially true where a small number of coupons is givenout; for example, when a coupon is given as a premium or coupons areprinted on the back of cash register receipts.

[0047] 2. Repeated use of offer: The customer may choose to use severalgeneric coupons in order to enable repeated use of one particular offer.This is not possible with common coupons, where distribution ispredetermined.

[0048] 3. Extended application: A common coupon expires when its offerexpires. The generic coupon may be used for subsequent offers.

[0049] 3a. The generic coupon may have an indefinite life.

[0050] 3b. A generic coupon may be valid for future offers not known atthe time the coupon was issued, or for offers for which it was neverintended, such as when unsupported merchants independently choose tohonor the coupon.

[0051] 4. Easier extraction: When multiple common coupons are printed ina booklet or circular, a particular common coupon must be extracted foruse.

[0052] It is often difficult to find the particular coupon among theseveral printed It is often difficult to remove the coupon because ofits location, such as on the inside of a page containing severaldisparate coupon offers.

[0053] Since generic coupons are identical, the most convenient one maybe used. Generic coupons can be printed together in one location, suchas along the edge of the page. Therefore, generic coupons are easier tofind and easier to remove.

[0054] 5. Greater convenience of use: Common coupons must be sorted sothat a specific coupon may be found. The customer must carry morecoupons or carefully plan in advance. Common coupons are troublesome touse.

[0055] One illustration of this fact is the various holders, carriers,and organizers that are manufactured to help the customer store and sortcoupons. Another indication is the existence of groups of consumersorganized to trade coupons.

[0056] Only a few generic coupons need be carried, since each hasuniversal application. No sorting or exchanging is necessary. Genericcoupons have an extended life. There is less need to weed out andreplace expired coupons.

[0057] 6. Easier to obtain: Identical generic coupons may be sold inretail packages. The customer may purchase coupons on demand. He or shemay use generic coupons from other sources. This provides the customerwith direct control over coupon availability and use. Such control isnot practical with common coupons.

[0058] B. Benefits to the Participating Merchant:

[0059] The advantages to the customer, as specified above, make thegeneric coupon more viable, and therefore more profitable, as anadvertising and promotional tool for the merchant. Further benefitsfollow:

[0060] 1. Greater effectiveness: When coupons are distributed in smallquantities, such as those printed on the back of cash register receiptsor given singly as premiums, only a small portion of the customers willget one valid for any particular merchant's offer.

[0061] For example, there may be ten participating merchants in apromotion. If one coupon is given at random to each customer, only onecustomer in ten will get a particular merchant's coupon. The others willget coupons from other merchants.

[0062] Because neither the individual merchant nor the customer has anycontrol over coupon distribution or application, most common couponswill be given to customers who do not wish to avail themselves of theparticular offers to which they are entitled.

[0063] When generic coupons are distributed, the customer may choose theoffer. The element of chance is eliminated. Every participating merchantgets a coupon good for its offer into the hands of every customer.

[0064] 2. Ease of use: The generic coupons are easier to find, remove,and use. Easier redemption increases the return for the merchant.

[0065] 3. Synergy: The participating merchants benefit from genericcoupons obtained elsewhere, such as those distributed as premiums, thosepurchased directly, those in previous or subsequent editions of apromotional vehicle, those published in other vehicles, or madeavailable through other means.

[0066] 4. Indefinite shelf life: Generic coupons are always the same.There is no specific offer or critical expiration date, as with commoncoupons. The supermarket or distributor benefits from:

[0067] 4a. Ability to maintain an adequate supply in depth;

[0068] 4b. Reduced or eliminated waste;

[0069] 4c. No inventory control problems;

[0070] 4d. No need to return or exchange out-of-date stock.

[0071] 5. More control: Because the generic coupon is non-specific, themerchant may change its offering at any time, while still utilizing anycoupons in circulation, and therefore without any loss in advertisingexpense or customer good will.

[0072] 6. Easier validation: The generic coupon is always good for thecurrent offer. The merchant does not need to check expiration dates orapplication of the coupon. Labor and errors associated with validatingnormal coupons are eliminated.

[0073] 6a. There is reduced customer embarrassment or ill will withgeneric coupons, compared to common coupons, when presented for anexpired offer. Common coupons must be dishonored. Generic coupons can beapplied to a current offer.

[0074] 7. Application rollover: Normal coupon offers are restricted to aspecific time period, to induce the customer into prompt action. Whenthe offer expires, the merchant must print and distribute new coupons toreplace those out of date.

[0075] There is the same psychological sense of urgency with genericcoupons, since the offer is still dated and will expire in a short time.However, the generic coupon remains applicable for the next offering.

[0076] 8. Less expensive: When common coupons are distributedindependently, the return is small. Only few of the coupons go tocustomers who want them.

[0077] Generic coupons are typically distributed in larger quantities toa larger number of customers, with cost shared by several merchants.Each customer chooses the application of his or her generic coupon. Thepromotion is self-distributing.

[0078] Each merchant gets a coupon valid for its offering to morepotential users, for about the same cost as a smaller independentmailing of common coupons.

[0079] 8a. Additional merchants may purchase only small listings in thepromotion. These merchants benefit from all generic coupons distributed,but pay a reduced price to participate. This is not possible with commoncoupons.

[0080] C. Advantages to the Publisher:

[0081] The advantages listed above make the generic coupon easier forthe publisher to sell. Additional benefits are listed below:

[0082] 1. Overlapping application: There is no one-to-one relationshiprequired between the offerings presented and the number of genericcoupons distributed in any instrument. All merchants share the samegeneric coupons.

[0083] Generic coupons may be given out singly or distributed in smallnumbers with multiple application. This is not possible with commoncoupons.

[0084] 2. Simultaneous application: When generic coupons are distributedas random premiums, such as those printed on the back of cash registerreceipts, each participating merchant is a potential recipient of everycoupon.

[0085] Fewer coupons need to be printed, may be sold for a greaterprice, may be sold simultaneously to several merchants, or may be soldmore easily.

[0086] 3. Retail sale: Direct sale of generic coupons to the customer isa viable possibility. This is not the case with common coupons, whereever-changing coupons, short life, restocking and exchange, and waste inexpired coupons make it not practical to do so.

[0087] 4. Smaller size: In a traditional multiple-offering advertisinginstrument, each coupon offer must be on the coupon, itself. There mustbe a coupon for every offer, even though the average customer willrespond to only a few offers.

[0088] With generic coupons, only a few coupons need be printed, andeach offer may be significantly smaller than a coupon and printedelsewhere on the document.

[0089] It is undesirable to print coupons back-to-back on both sides ofa printed page. Two coupons printed thusly would be mutually-exclusive.With generic coupons, less space is subject to this restriction, becausefewer coupons are printed.

[0090] 4a. Because fewer coupons are printed, there is more space foroffer listings.

[0091] 4b. Because the listings are small, more listings can be printed.

[0092] 4c. Because listings can be printed back-to-back on both sides ofthe instrument, the usable space for such listings is effectivelydoubled.

[0093] Listings may be sold at reduced rates not practical with commoncoupons. These advantages combine to make the printing of genericcoupons more efficient, more effective, more economical, and thereforemore profitable.

[0094] D. Advantages in a Hybrid Application:

[0095] The generic coupon provides additional advantages when used inconjunction with common coupons in a hybrid instrument.

[0096] In this configuration, there are common coupons printed fordisplay advertisers. In addition, there are one or more generic couponsincluded in the publication.

[0097] Each merchant benefits from the generic coupon(s), whileretaining the visibility and exclusivity of a common coupon.

[0098] Generic coupons may be valid for offers different from those ofthe common coupon(s). This allows the merchant to benefit from genericcoupons while limiting another offer via a common coupon.

DISCUSSION OF PRIOR ART

[0099] I have not been able to locate a patent for the common coupon. Ibelieve that the coupon predates the patent system or is otherwise inthe public domain.

[0100] I have found no true subclass or new type of coupon. No genericcoupon or simple coupon designed to have a broad or universalapplication was found.

[0101] There is prior art under the classification 283 (Printed Matter),subclasses 56 (Advertising) and 117 (Miscellaneous); and elsewhere.

[0102] I have found patents relating to coupons or coupon schemes wherea coupon is hidden, limited, complicated, made mutually-exclusive, orotherwise restricted; and various systems for the publication,distribution, sorting, storage, display, or processing of coupons. Twoexamples are:

[0103] U.S. Pat. No. 4,195,864, “Multi-Product Coupon,” which is asystem whereby special stamps (which specify particular products) mustbe affixed to the coupon; and

[0104] U.S. Pat. No. 4,817,990, “Multiple Value Coupon System,” whereinthe customer may choose one of a pair of coupons from two competitivesponsors.

[0105] Other similar inventions containing published or printed matterfor a specific purpose have been patented. Examples are the credit card,lottery ticket, medical record card, a printed device to protect againstunauthorized photocopying, etc.

[0106] Printed matter alone is not patentable. It is not my intention topatent printed matter. The invention described herein is a tangibledevice that has in part a printed portion. The device, not the printedportion, alone, is the invention.

[0107] A different style or format for doing something in public domainis patentable.

[0108] An example is the shirt pocket card, U.S. Pat. No. 4,968,065,which is nothing more than a piece of notepaper, but of a particularform which makes it more suitable to a specific task; namely, storage ina shirt pocket.

[0109] The purpose of any coupon is advertising and promotion. Thegeneric coupon embodies features that make it easier to use, usable formore offers, for a longer time. It is more suitable to the task ofadvertising than common coupons.

[0110] The generic coupon may be considered to have a new and expandedpurpose compared to traditional coupons, in much the same way as acredit card is a more universal application of a letter of credit.

[0111] The generic coupon is more useful than common coupons because itis designed to be broadly applicable rather than specific and limited inusefulness.

[0112] If the generic coupon were either obvious or mundane, it would bein use by this late date. The fact that it is not, although the couponadvertising field is extremely competitive, and in view of the genericcoupon's many advantages; is indication of the generic coupon's latentand novel nature.

[0113] Coupons previously have been designed to limit the entitlement.The generic coupon is specifically designed to broaden the entitlement.In this regard, the generic coupon is fundamentally different from othercoupons extant.

[0114] Furthermore, the generic coupon meets all three tests for“unobviousness” as per 383 U.S.1, 148 USPO 459 (1966); MPEP 2141:

[0115] 1. Commercial success (achievable through the multiplecompetitive advantages declared above).

[0116] 2. Long-felt but unsolved need (for example, the creation of acoupon which does not need to be replaced in circulation after its offerexpires, a coupon which is self-distributing [see B8, above], a couponwhich can be marketed to several advertisers simultaneously, etc.).

[0117] 3. Failure of others (obvious, demonstrated through itsheretofore non-existence). This, despite the advantages cited and lackof another means of achieving them.

[0118] A way of doing business is not patentable. It is not thisinventor's intent to patent the idea of advertising, coupons in general,or way of doing business.

[0119] The generic coupon is a specific tangible device that facilitatesadvertising and promotion. This device, not any means of doing business,is the invention.

[0120] An example of this is a membership or entitlement card thatentitles the bearer to the same type of trade considerations as does thegeneric coupon. The method of doing business is essentially the same,but the device is different.

[0121] The generic coupon is distinguished from membership cards in thesame manner that coupons are distinguished from identification cards,generally:

[0122] Coupons are intended for short term or one time use, whilemembership cards identify the bearer as having long term, permanent, orcontinuous status.

[0123] Coupons allow offers to be run on a short-term basis, changedfrequently, and discontinued easily.

[0124] Entitlement cards usually commit the merchant to longerparticipation (the term of the card) and often require a standard,non-changeable offer, such as a fixed discount rate.

[0125] Coupons generally can't be used repeatedly. They are constantlybeing printed and distributed for long-term advertising and promotion tomaintain in effect.

[0126] As a result, they offer more flexibility compared to otherdevices, and therefore afford more control over the concession or otherinducement offered to the customer and the redemption process.

[0127] The revenue generated from sale of coupons is proportional tocoupon use. Coupons allow advertising and promotion to be marketed onthe basis of quantitative results.

[0128] Coupons may be sold over time at a low incremental rate; forexample, in the form of a series of promotions.

[0129] Entitlement cards are usually not marketed on the basis of degreeof use; and when they are, some equipment or device, such as magneticcoding, bar codes, computer systems, punch-out boxes, or other means, isrequired to monitor the amount of use.

[0130] Coupons function as receipts when exchanged for the commercialadvantage. Therefore, they are inherently self-tracking without anyadditional features or devices, and without requiring any extraordinaryeffort or additional equipment.

[0131] Coupons are created specifically for enabling the customer to amarket concession for the purpose of advertising and promotion. Thecoupon needs no umbrella organization or other larger purpose tosubsidize its operation. Often, advertising and promotion is a sidebenefit or incidental use of an entitlement card, and not a true measureof the card's design, purpose, or use.

[0132] An example of this is a credit card which may temporarily,incidentally, or additionally be used for discounts or other advantageto the customer, as a promotion of the credit system or an inducement tothe customer.

[0133] In this example, the principal design, purpose, and use of thecredit card is not advertising, but loans.

[0134] Coupons are available to everyone, without additionalrestrictions or qualifications, such as credit approval.

[0135] The generic coupon is distinguished from bonus stamps, or otherredemption systems (such as campaigns where supermarket cash registerreceipts totaling a certain amount may be redeemed for some offer) inthat generic coupons need not be accumulated or converted into anythingelse in order to be used.

[0136] The generic coupon is distinguished from currency or “money” inthat:

[0137] 1, its uses are restricted and not absolutely universal;

[0138] 2, it is used for advertisement and promotion, not for trade orbarter;

[0139] 3, it usually has a defined term of life, longer than the offers,but still absolute;

[0140] 4, it is restricted in the ways, terms, and conditions underwhich it may be used;

[0141] 5, it has no absolute value in application, but varies accordingto how it is used;

[0142] 6, it has no actual value over that of its constructionmaterials;

[0143] 7, it cannot be exchanged for real currency or money; and

[0144] 8, it is not represented to be real money.

[0145] To the best of my knowledge and belief, I maintain this inventionto be specified by definitions which are of a generally acceptable type,and that it is properly disclosed within the parameters for a patentableinvention and is conforming to all requirements thereof.

Illustrations

[0146] Listing of Illustrations:

[0147] Illustration 1 a shows a common merchant's coupon.

[0148] Illustration 1 b shows a common manufacturer's coupon.

[0149] Illustration 2 shows a generic coupon.

[0150] Illustration 3 shows a package of multiple coupons for retailsale.

[0151] Illustration 4 shows a hybrid publication containing genericcoupons.

[0152] Listing of Reference Numerals:

[0153]1. Merchant

[0154]2. Manufacturer

[0155]3. Product

[0156]4. Discount or value

[0157]5. Expiration date

[0158]6. Title

[0159]7. Instructions

[0160]8. Strip of coupons

[0161]9. Generic coupon

[0162]10. Hybrid publication

[0163]11. Common coupon

[0164]12. Offer listings

[0165]13. Display advertising

[0166] Description:

[0167] The extended and additional utility of the generic couponinvention over the conventional coupon commonly in use today is a resultof restrictive elements of the common coupon that have been eliminatedor expanded.

[0168] For this reason, representations of both common coupons and ageneric coupon are shown as illustrations 1 and 2.

[0169] Proper names used in the illustrations are fictitious examplesand are for illustrative purposes, only; and not intended to limit thegeneric coupon invention specification.

[0170] Illustrations 3 and 4 represent two possible applications ofgeneric coupons.

[0171]FIG. 1 is a representation of two typical common coupons, shownfor comparative purposes.

[0172]FIG. 1a is a merchant's coupon.

[0173]FIG. 1b is a manufacturer's coupon.

[0174]FIG. 2 is a representation of the generic coupon.

[0175] A coupon is often printed paper, cover stock, or cardboard,rectangular in shape and close in size to (slightly larger than) astandard business card. However, coupons are made of differentmaterials, in different shapes and sizes. Size, shape, materials, orconstruction are not critical to the usefulness of the coupon, and arenot limiting factors in the definition or usefulness of the coupon.

[0176] A coupon consists of some suitable substrate, preferablyinexpensive (for example, paper), containing identifying indicia (suchas printed information). It is these indicia that most significantlydefine the purpose, intent, usefulness, and suitability to task of theinvention.

[0177] The numbered features of the coupon indicia are as follows:

[0178] 1. Identification of merchant. The merchant is the business orother entity offering the trade consideration, and where the coupon maybe redeemed.

[0179] 2. Identification of the manufacturer of products or servicesoffered.

[0180] 3. Identification of the product, service, or offering for whichthe coupon is valid.

[0181] 4. Some specific or relative value for which the coupon is valid.

[0182] 5. Expiration date of the offering or trade consideration, or ofthe coupon, itself.

[0183] 6. Title or name of the coupon. This identifies the manufactureror publisher of the coupon and/or identifies the instrument as a coupon.

[0184] 7. Instructions and terms or conditions for use of the coupon.

[0185] All or most of the above are features of coupons of the typecommonly in use.

[0186] The generic coupon is distinguished from prior art by thesimultaneous improvement through broadened application of 1, 2, and 3.

[0187] Usually and ideally, 4 and 5 are also expanded in application,but this is not an absolute requirement of the generic coupon invention.

[0188]FIG. 3 represents one manifestation of claim 9, above:

[0189] “9. A combination of generic coupons in a booklet, strip,packaging, or other grouping, including singly, so as to be marketeddirectly to the consumer.”

[0190] Here, at least one generic coupon (9) is printed on a sheet (8)for sale to the general public. One or more such sheets may be combinedin a package.

[0191]FIG. 4 represents one manifestation of claim 10, above:

[0192] “10. An advertisement and promotion vehicle containingadvertisements of specific offers for which generic coupons may bevalid, in combination with at least one generic coupon, where thevehicle may contain one or more common coupons.”

[0193] In this configuration, one or more generic coupons (9) arecombined with other conventional advertising in a hybrid vehicle (10).

[0194] Such conventional advertising may include one or more commoncoupons (11).

[0195] Additionally, small advertisements of offerings for which thegeneric coupons are valid (12) may appear. These offerings may besmaller than the coupons, so that more offerings may be made within agiven printed space.

[0196] Display advertising (13) may also be included. Such advertisingmay be used to promote the use of generic coupons, common coupons,and/or offers which do not require coupons; or for general advertising.

[0197] Additional similar advertising (not shown) may be printed on thereverse side of the page, behind the advertising on the obverse. Becauseof the nature of generic coupons, fewer of them need to be printed onthe sheet. Therefore, there is more space for advertising copy, and thiscopy can be printed back-to-back without making any couponmutually-exclusive with another.

I claim (generic or independent claim):
 1. A coupon, ticket, or vehicleor instrument of advertising and promotion, entitling a customer,person, organization, corporation, or other entity bearing said couponto receive a reduced price, refund or rebate, merchandise, services, orother preferential treatment or consideration; in order to induce thatentity to patronize a merchant, purchase a product or service, or engagein other trade or commercial involvement or other activity; or any suchdevice or instrument which is within commonly understood and generallyheld definition of “coupon;” Where such coupon is distinguished from allprevious coupons and the state-of-art in general by simultaneouslyembodying the following features: (1) having multiple applicablemerchants or no specific applicable merchant; (2) having multipleapplicable manufacturers or no specific manufacturer; (3) havingmultiple offerings or no specific offering; and (optionally) may alsohave one or both of the following: (4) having multiple redemption valuesor no specific redemption value; (5) having an extended or unlimitedlife; thus providing a more universal, more broad, and more economicalapplication, production, and distribution than is possible with common,or traditional, coupons of the type currently in use. In addition, Iclaim the following variations, specific applications, and embodiments(specific or dependent claims):
 2. A coupon made of paper, card or coverstock, plastic, fabric, sheet metal, wood, organic matter, or othersimilar printable or markable material which may be presented inexchange for goods, services, or other trade considerations, as aninducement for the bearer to patronize a business or purchase a productor service; where such coupon may be printed or otherwise marked withinstructions for use and/or coupon company or trade name or otheridentification and/or possible applications; but where such coupon isapplicable to multiple manufacturers, products, merchants, offerings,and trade considerations.
 3. A generic coupon in which the multipleproducts, manufacturers, merchants, offerings, and trade considerationsare specified elsewhere.
 4. A generic coupon in which one or more of themultiple products, manufacturers, merchants, offerings, and tradeconsiderations are specified on the coupon, itself.
 5. A generic couponthat may additionally have multiple redemption values (dependent uponthe offer selected by the customer).
 6. A generic coupon which isattached to, included in, or combined with a letter; circular; otherpromotional, advertising, or general notice; or other such instrument;so as to increase the instrument's effectiveness and value.
 7. A genericcoupon which is printed as part of, or in combination with, anothervehicle or device, such as on a cash register receipt or as part of arestaurant placemat; for the purpose of increasing the other vehicle'svalue or effectiveness.
 8. A generic coupon used as a sample, premium,bonus, or award.
 9. A combination of generic coupons in a booklet,strip, packaging, or other grouping, including singly, so as to bemarketed directly to the consumer.
 10. A promotional vehicle containingadvertisements of specific offers for which generic coupons may bevalid, in combination with at least one generic coupon, where thevehicle may optionally contain one or more common coupons.
 11. A systemutilizing the generic coupon, wherein the applications of the coupon areposted publicly and/or published in a newspaper, newsletter, magazine,or other publication (available by subscription or otherwise).
 12. Asystem utilizing the generic coupon, wherein the applications of thecoupon are made available to the public and/or updated by means of voicecommunication, such as a recorded telephone message.
 13. A systemutilizing the generic coupon, wherein the applications of the coupon aremade available to the public and/or updated by means of electroniccommunication, such as via a computer bulletin board or internet site.